Document type
Working paperPublication date
Publication license
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/58975
Urban transport governance reform in Barcelona
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Related resource
Abstract
The unusual mixed public-private structure of the urban bus market in the metropolitan area of Barcelona provides an interesting context in which to analyze the management challenges and opportunities of the partial privatization of public services. Initiatives used by the public regulator to promote competition for contracts, such as short term concessions to private contractors and the removal of entry barriers, have considerable potential for improving efficiency and quality. The growth in the share of routes managed by private firms in recent years shows that privatization is a credible threat that may well stimulate improved performance among public managers. The type of reform implemented in Barcelona is of interest to all metropolitan areas large enough to operate under constant returns to scale regimes, and suitable for potential concessions of routes in segregated areas inside the metropolitan area, so as not to miss out on the benefits of economies of density.
Subject (English)
Citation
Citation
ALBALATE, Daniel, BEL I QUERALT, Germà and CALZADA, Joan. Urban transport governance reform in Barcelona. IREA – Working Papers. 2010. Vol. IR10/09. ISSN 2014-1254. [consulted: 14 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/58975